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Jokeroo Legend

In England's "second city" Birmingham in 1986 a formula 3000 motor race using local roads was organised for the first time. One of the largest car dealers of the city at the time were on the main road into the city from the south west: Bristol Street Motors. Because the site had a large forecourt it was decided that it would be the best place to have the pit lane. This was something of a coup for Bristol Street Motors and they were not slow in capitalising on it through advertising etc.

I had contacts in the vehicle industry as I had recently left a job with a vehicle delivery company and through them learned that they had come very close to shooting themselves in the foot: one of the advertising suggestions had been "Come to Bristol Street Motors: we are the pits!"

Super Moderator

The hat by which almost everyone recognises me is reaching the end of its life, the felt it is made of is turning into individual strands of wool and there are places you can see right through it, so I treated myself to a new hat, which arrived today...

As I was looking for this I came across another hat for a very reasonable price and just couldn't resist buying it. I am now the possessor of a bowler, also known as an English Derby.

Jokeroo Enthusiast

Oh my word Phil ~ the bowler.... way back as a young man working in Fleet Street ~ one of my Director's then, took a 10 shilling note out and gave it to me, and told me to go to Dunn's in Fleet Street, and get a bowler ~ off I went [and it was the days of the TV series 'The Avengers' ~ they had to measure my head, ask me how I would wear it [I said slightly forward [rakish style] and they took the measurements and put the frame inside the bowler, slightly heated it up, and then brush it ~ and brought it back ~ fitted like a 'glove' ~ and had it for many years. What most people don't realise about 'that' hat ~ is that it will take any sort of weather, from rain to snow ~ get home, shake it off, hung it up ~ and next day, it's perfect ~ brilliant choice my friend, often thought about getting another...LOL

Super Moderator

It has been suggested by a couple of people that I also acquire a top hat. There are already two or three local characters who wear toppers on occasion though, so I think I'll give that one a miss. If I find something more unique however...

Jokeroo Enthusiast

It has been suggested by a couple of people that I also acquire a top hat. There are already two or three local characters who wear toppers on occasion though, so I think I'll give that one a miss. If I find something more unique however...

Jokeroo Enthusiast

It has been suggested by a couple of people that I also acquire a top hat. There are already two or three local characters who wear toppers on occasion though, so I think I'll give that one a miss. If I find something more unique however...

Haha... well my friend ~ I have a lovely grey topper [in it's box] taken out for the occasional function ~ which actually feel very comfortable when you wear it ~ although I might suggest [as the wizard you are] that a 'stove-pipe' hat would be better

Super Moderator

Haha... well my friend ~ I have a lovely grey topper [in it's box] taken out for the occasional function ~ which actually feel very comfortable when you wear it ~ although I might suggest [as the wizard you are] that a 'stove-pipe' hat would be better

The younger Mr Brunel got away with a stovepipe as he was not particularly tall. If I wore one round here there are so many paths and alleys with an arch I would be forever either getting on my knees or having to remove it.